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Evidence Guide: MSL973008 - Perform histological procedures

Student: __________________________________________________

Signature: _________________________________________________

Tips for gathering evidence to demonstrate your skills

The important thing to remember when gathering evidence is that the more evidence the better - that is, the more evidence you gather to demonstrate your skills, the more confident an assessor can be that you have learned the skills not just at one point in time, but are continuing to apply and develop those skills (as opposed to just learning for the test!). Furthermore, one piece of evidence that you collect will not usualy demonstrate all the required criteria for a unit of competency, whereas multiple overlapping pieces of evidence will usually do the trick!

From the Wiki University

 

MSL973008 - Perform histological procedures

What evidence can you provide to prove your understanding of each of the following citeria?

Assemble equipment and materials

  1. Confirm the number and type of sections required
  2. Collect equipment and arrange the workspace so that equipment can be used safely and efficiently
  3. Perform pre-use and safety checks to ensure equipment is fit for purpose
  4. Report faulty or unsafe equipment to appropriate personnel
  5. Inspect processor reagents for deterioration and adequate volume, and report any items requiring replacement
Confirm the number and type of sections required

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Collect equipment and arrange the workspace so that equipment can be used safely and efficiently

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Perform pre-use and safety checks to ensure equipment is fit for purpose

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Report faulty or unsafe equipment to appropriate personnel

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Inspect processor reagents for deterioration and adequate volume, and report any items requiring replacement

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Process and embed plant and animal tissue

  1. Select program and reagents for processing
  2. Monitor processor regularly during processing sequence to ensure dehydration, clearing and infiltration are complete
  3. Check that temperature of wax is suitable for embedding process
  4. Check that volume of wax is sufficient for uninterrupted embedding of processor load
  5. Embed tissue in correct orientation
  6. Allow block to solidify evenly according to wax requirements
Select program and reagents for processing

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Monitor processor regularly during processing sequence to ensure dehydration, clearing and infiltration are complete

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Check that temperature of wax is suitable for embedding process

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Check that volume of wax is sufficient for uninterrupted embedding of processor load

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Embed tissue in correct orientation

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Allow block to solidify evenly according to wax requirements

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cut sections of plant and animal tissue

  1. Place and secure block and knife in microtome strictly in accordance with safety directions
  2. Label required number of microscope slides in accordance with workplace traceability requirements
  3. Cut ribbons of representative sections at the required thickness observing prescribed safety measures
  4. Float sections onto water bath to flatten tissues
  5. Pick up sections onto microscope slides ensuring identification on slides matches that on block
  6. Apply procedures to prevent cross-contamination between samples
  7. Cut freehand sections of plant tissue as required
  8. Inspect sections and reject items that do not meet specifications
Place and secure block and knife in microtome strictly in accordance with safety directions

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Label required number of microscope slides in accordance with workplace traceability requirements

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cut ribbons of representative sections at the required thickness observing prescribed safety measures

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Float sections onto water bath to flatten tissues

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pick up sections onto microscope slides ensuring identification on slides matches that on block

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Apply procedures to prevent cross-contamination between samples

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cut freehand sections of plant tissue as required

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Inspect sections and reject items that do not meet specifications

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stain sections

  1. Select reagents specified in the method
  2. Stain sections according to the method
  3. Examine sections microscopically to ensure expected staining outcomes have been achieved
  4. Mount sections to ensure long-term preservation
  5. Attach permanent labels giving specimen details according to workplace traceability requirements
Select reagents specified in the method

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stain sections according to the method

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Examine sections microscopically to ensure expected staining outcomes have been achieved

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mount sections to ensure long-term preservation

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Attach permanent labels giving specimen details according to workplace traceability requirements

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Maintain a safe work environment

  1. Ensure personal safety and minimise cross-contamination through the use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
  2. Handle all specimens and equipment in accordance with workplace safety protocols/procedures
  3. Clean up spills using appropriate techniques to protect personnel, work area and environment
  4. Minimise generation of waste and environmental impacts
  5. Collect and dispose of all wastes safely
  6. Report hazards and incidents to designated personnel using workplace procedures
Ensure personal safety and minimise cross-contamination through the use of personal protective equipment (PPE)

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Handle all specimens and equipment in accordance with workplace safety protocols/procedures

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Clean up spills using appropriate techniques to protect personnel, work area and environment

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Minimise generation of waste and environmental impacts

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Collect and dispose of all wastes safely

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Report hazards and incidents to designated personnel using workplace procedures

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessed

Teacher: ___________________________________ Date: _________

Signature: ________________________________________________

Comments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Instructions to Assessors

Evidence Guide

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1

Assemble equipment and materials

1.1

Confirm the number and type of sections required

1.2

Collect equipment and arrange the workspace so that equipment can be used safely and efficiently

1.3

Perform pre-use and safety checks to ensure equipment is fit for purpose

1.4

Report faulty or unsafe equipment to appropriate personnel

1.5

Inspect processor reagents for deterioration and adequate volume, and report any items requiring replacement

2

Process and embed plant and animal tissue

2.1

Select program and reagents for processing

2.2

Monitor processor regularly during processing sequence to ensure dehydration, clearing and infiltration are complete

2.3

Check that temperature of wax is suitable for embedding process

2.4

Check that volume of wax is sufficient for uninterrupted embedding of processor load

2.5

Embed tissue in correct orientation

2.6

Allow block to solidify evenly according to wax requirements

3

Cut sections of plant and animal tissue

3.1

Place and secure block and knife in microtome strictly in accordance with safety directions

3.2

Label required number of microscope slides in accordance with workplace traceability requirements

3.3

Cut ribbons of representative sections at the required thickness observing prescribed safety measures

3.4

Float sections onto water bath to flatten tissues

3.5

Pick up sections onto microscope slides ensuring identification on slides matches that on block

3.6

Apply procedures to prevent cross-contamination between samples

3.7

Cut freehand sections of plant tissue as required

3.8

Inspect sections and reject items that do not meet specifications

4

Stain sections

4.1

Select reagents specified in the method

4.2

Stain sections according to the method

4.3

Examine sections microscopically to ensure expected staining outcomes have been achieved

4.4

Mount sections to ensure long-term preservation

4.5

Attach permanent labels giving specimen details according to workplace traceability requirements

5

Maintain a safe work environment

5.1

Ensure personal safety and minimise cross-contamination through the use of personal protective equipment (PPE)

5.2

Handle all specimens and equipment in accordance with workplace safety protocols/procedures

5.3

Clean up spills using appropriate techniques to protect personnel, work area and environment

5.4

Minimise generation of waste and environmental impacts

5.5

Collect and dispose of all wastes safely

5.6

Report hazards and incidents to designated personnel using workplace procedures

Required Skills and Knowledge

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1

Assemble equipment and materials

1.1

Confirm the number and type of sections required

1.2

Collect equipment and arrange the workspace so that equipment can be used safely and efficiently

1.3

Perform pre-use and safety checks to ensure equipment is fit for purpose

1.4

Report faulty or unsafe equipment to appropriate personnel

1.5

Inspect processor reagents for deterioration and adequate volume, and report any items requiring replacement

2

Process and embed plant and animal tissue

2.1

Select program and reagents for processing

2.2

Monitor processor regularly during processing sequence to ensure dehydration, clearing and infiltration are complete

2.3

Check that temperature of wax is suitable for embedding process

2.4

Check that volume of wax is sufficient for uninterrupted embedding of processor load

2.5

Embed tissue in correct orientation

2.6

Allow block to solidify evenly according to wax requirements

3

Cut sections of plant and animal tissue

3.1

Place and secure block and knife in microtome strictly in accordance with safety directions

3.2

Label required number of microscope slides in accordance with workplace traceability requirements

3.3

Cut ribbons of representative sections at the required thickness observing prescribed safety measures

3.4

Float sections onto water bath to flatten tissues

3.5

Pick up sections onto microscope slides ensuring identification on slides matches that on block

3.6

Apply procedures to prevent cross-contamination between samples

3.7

Cut freehand sections of plant tissue as required

3.8

Inspect sections and reject items that do not meet specifications

4

Stain sections

4.1

Select reagents specified in the method

4.2

Stain sections according to the method

4.3

Examine sections microscopically to ensure expected staining outcomes have been achieved

4.4

Mount sections to ensure long-term preservation

4.5

Attach permanent labels giving specimen details according to workplace traceability requirements

5

Maintain a safe work environment

5.1

Ensure personal safety and minimise cross-contamination through the use of personal protective equipment (PPE)

5.2

Handle all specimens and equipment in accordance with workplace safety protocols/procedures

5.3

Clean up spills using appropriate techniques to protect personnel, work area and environment

5.4

Minimise generation of waste and environmental impacts

5.5

Collect and dispose of all wastes safely

5.6

Report hazards and incidents to designated personnel using workplace procedures

Evidence of competence in this unit must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria, and include demonstration of:

safely performing straightforward processing, sectioning (by hand or rotary microtome) and staining of at least three (3) different plant and animal tissue specimens in paraffin wax to clearly demonstrate the required tissue and/or cellular features

consistently following workplace safety procedures and/or standard methods to process, embed, cut and stain animal and plant tissue

performing pre-use equipment checks, including safety, serviceability, cleanliness and routine maintenance

cutting sections at the specified thickness that are free of wrinkles, scores and folds

staining sections of animal/human tissue and plant tissue using stains, such as regressive haematoxylin and eosin, and safranine and fast green

cover slipping slides, ensuring that no air bubbles are formed to preserve the material for the life of the slide

labelling slides clearly with case number, specimen and stain details

managing tasks and organising work to ensure the timely completion of tasks

using specimens, reagents and materials economically and disposing of wastes safely

maintaining equipment and recording/reporting malfunctions appropriately

minimising cross-contamination between specimens and contamination of the laboratory and environment

maintaining traceability through all steps from receiving a specimen to completion of a procedure.

Must provide evidence that demonstrates knowledge of:

nature of tissues, processing and sectioning methods used in job role

functions of the components of a rotary microtome

importance and appropriate use of certified reference materials

relationship of the anatomy and morphology of tissue types and the macroscopic and microscopic appearance of stained sections

correlation between poorly maintained processing reagents and resultant tissue blocks being difficult to cut or unsuitable for cutting

relationship between correct orientation of the tissue during embedding and ability to cut sections from surface required for subsequent microscopic examination

workplace and/or legal traceability requirements

workplace procedures for safe collection and environmentally responsible disposal of wastes

workplace safety procedures and precautions relevant to:

handling microorganisms and agents associated with human or animal tissue and fluids

handling irritating, volatile, flammable and potentially carcinogenic chemicals and stains, such as formaldehyde, xylene, histoclear, ethanol and chloroform

tissue processing, embedding and microtomy

aerosols

sharps and broken glassware.

Range Statement

This field allows for different work environments and conditions that may affect performance. Essential operating conditions that may be present (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) are included.

Standards, codes, procedures and/or workplace requirements

Standards, codes, procedures and/or workplace requirements include the latest version of one or more of:

Australian and international standards covering the requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories, laboratory safety and quality management

national work health and safety (WHS) standards and codes of practice, and national measurement regulations and guidelines

specific codes, guidelines and procedures, such as National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) accreditation requirements, principles of good laboratory practice (GLP), and Australian code of good manufacturing practice for medicinal products (GMP)

workplace documents, such as standard operating procedures (SOPs); quality and equipment manuals; calibration and maintenance schedules; material, production and product specifications; production and laboratory schedules; stock records and inventory; workplace recording and reporting procedures; material safety data sheets (MSDS) and safety procedures; PPE requirements; indicators for use of biohazard and laminar flow cabinets; containment and clean-up of spillages; and waste minimisation and safe disposal procedures

workplace procedures for processing, cutting and/or staining sections of plant and animal tissues in paraffin wax

Histological procedures

Histological procedures include, but are not limited to, one or more of:

cutting paraffin sections of organs, such as kidney, liver, small intestine, stomach and tongue

cutting paraffin sections of dicotyledon and monocotyledon stems

staining tissue sections with haematoxylin and eosin (human and animal tissue) and safranine and fast green (plant tissue)

Workplace safety procedures

Workplace safety procedures include, but are not limited to, one or more of:

use of biohazard containers and laminar flow cabinet

correctly labelling reagents and hazardous materials

use of PPE, such as gloves, safety glasses, goggles, faceguards, coveralls and gowns

handling and storing hazardous materials and equipment in accordance with labels, MSDS, manufacturer instructions, and workplace procedures and regulations

regularly cleaning and decontaminating equipment and work areas

WHS and environmental management requirements

WHS and environmental management requirements include:

· complying with WHS and environmental management requirements at all times, which may be imposed through state/territory or federal legislation. These requirements must not be compromised at any time

· applying standard precautions relating to the potentially hazardous nature of samples

· accessing and applying current industry understanding of infection control issued by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) and State and Territory Departments of Health, where relevant